11 Most Unique Colorado Towns
In a state that is exceptionally naturally abundant and rich with history that dates back before the eras of settlement, it is difficult to determine which towns are the most unique. However, by blending famous, historic, and culturally enhanced destinations, this ultimate list of unique Colorado towns delves into all aspects that make the centennial state stand out. From the infamous Mesa Verde National Park to Crested Butte, this is your sign to pack your bags and head out to explore the rugged rocky side of America.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a ski resort town enhanced with a historic charm and vibrant art scene. Its luxury resort is the town’s main attraction, while its local businesses make for the perfect well-rounded experience, offering over 200 privately owned retailers and 100 dining destinations. The town’s history goes back to being a central mining hub. Therefore, you can find the endless tales and tours offered in the area, like the Gold Mine Tour and The Ghostly Tales tour, educating visitors on spooky but true stories of the area. You can learn more about the town’s distinctive balance of atmospheres at the Barney Ford Museum, the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum, and the Breckenridge Welcome Center.
Georgetown
The charming small Georgetown sits 36 miles away from the famous skiing town of Breckenridge, renowned for its lively downtown and traditional American small-town feel. Differentiated with quaint wooden Victorian homes like Log Cabin and the Cornish House, a breathtaking mountainous backdrop backs its buildings, inspiring hospitable, cozy feelings of calming belonging. The town inspires feelings of a more upscale community than other Colorado towns despite being established as a mining town during the Gold Rush era. Georgetown is the place to zone out into peace and regroup while embracing the historical essence of The Centennial State. Hotel Chateau Chamonix, Lawson Adventure Park Resort, its wooden cabins, and Clear Creek Inn are some of the best places to stay during your visit to Georgetown, portraying the town's classy feel while embodying the surrounding rugged nature.
Telluride
Telluride is a picturesque mountain town known for its film festival and outdoor hiking and skiing activities. The main attraction of the city is its stunning ambiance of panoramic vistas. Yet, ski resorts also play a significant role in attracting visitors to the mountainous city of Telluride, along with its breathtaking views of surrounding mountains like Trico Peak, Tomboy, and more. In addition to its recreational outdoor fun and nature-centric vistas, Telluride fosters the success of small businesses by rejecting big-name brands and chain stores, allowing for a stronger sense of the local community. Dine at local companies like the Butcher & the Baker, Chop House Restaurant at New Sheridan, and Cornnerhouse Grille, and support the entrepreneurial efforts of locals.
Ouray
Adding to the list of charming towns is the small mountain town nicknamed the Switzerland of America due to its high-altitude surrounding mountains. The rugged landscape makes Ouray the perfect setting for challenging hikes, off-road ATV adventures, and rock climbing. Some of the best picturesque sceneries in the area include the historic Million Dollar Highway, renowned as one of the most scenic drives in America. While staying in Ouray, visit Box Canyon Waterfall and Park, hike the green San Juan trails, and explore the charming historic downtown from 1876. The Alchemist Museum, Wright Opera House, and the Ouray County Museum are a few of the must-see destinations in downtown Ouray.
Ridgway
Ridgway is a small artistic community in Colorado and a sister town to Ouray that stands out with a creative community striving to enhance their town and attract more visitors. Local efforts and quaint businesses make Ridgway one of the most unique towns, and it sits just 10 mi north of Ouray. While it is a smaller town by area, Ridgway is completely explorable in a day or less and is a stop you shouldn’t miss if you have already made your way to Ouray. Relax at the cozy wooden-front Cimarron Coffee & Books shop, stroll Sherman Street, and visit creative boutiques and galleries like Joinery Art Gallery and the nearby 610 Arts Collective when exploring the picturesque downtown of Ridgway.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs stands out for its historic heritage and natural mineral springs. From the Manitou Cliff Dwellings that narrate tales of the town’s ancestral history to the architectural wonders of Miramont Castle, Manitou Springs has long attracted tourists from all over the state for its diverse offerings. Despite being steeped in history and nature, the charming town offers more, like its tight-knit local community and hospitable locals. Enjoy community events like the Crawford Coffin Race and the Mardi Gras celebrations when visiting, and venture out to nearby iconic destinations once you're done exploring. Must-see nearby landmarks and nature-centric destinations include the jaw-dropping Garden Of Gods and Pikes Peak, the highest summit of the southern Front Range.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a year-round recreational hub, a skiing mecca that comes alive with the creative energy of locals and colorful downtown buildings. The town also enjoys the competitive advantage of being home to an array of annual events. Some of the town’s best events are the Crested Butte Music Festival, Dean Dillon’s mile-high Music Festival, and even family events like the Mountain Words Literary Festival, a multi-day literary celebration. Crested Butte stands out for being the most colorful town in Colorado, as its charming tiny homes add a romantic feeling to the community, especially during snowy seasons. Despite the endless array of adorable Victorian residential buildings, City Hall, Soupcon, and the wooden residential homes on Elk Ave are some of the must-see picturesque places that scream "I'm in Crested Butte."
Salida
On the artistic side of The Centennial State, Salida nicknamed the heart of the Rockies, differentiates itself from neighboring towns and communities with a range of art galleries and an exceptional dining scene. Stroll down Salida, Colorado’s best creative district, and browse businesses like Four Winds Gallery, Brodeur Studio, Maverick Pottery, and the Salida Art Walk. Tony’s Waffle and Coffee, Sushi Thai Salida, and Shredders Grill by Monarch Mountain are a few of the endless dining destinations in the area. Away from man-created attractions and charming downtowns, Salida is also home to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center and the Arkansas River, which will turn your Colorado exploration journey into a relaxing wellness getaway.
Paonia
Outdoor recreational activities and extensive Gold Rush history are only some of what is offered in Colorado, as Paonia enjoys an agricultural advantage that adds a twist to this list of the most unique towns in Colorado, from extensive vineyards to endless acres of orchards of peaches, plums, apples, and more. If you’ve ever visited a prosperous agricultural town, then you know that this is your sign to pack your baskets and go on a harvesting picnic with loved ones. Make your way to publicly accessible farmlands like First Fruit Organic Farms and Berg Harvest, buy a bottle of local wine, and spend the afternoon gathering fresh produce to take home.
Mancos
A gateway to Unesco World Heritage Mesa Verde National Park with a rich Native American history, Mancos is a rugged summer gateway for those who seek to spend more than just a hike in Colorado’s stunning nature. Camping at the nearby Mancos State Park, fishing at Mancos River, and stargazing in untouched nature are the highlights of any visit to Mancos, Colorado. The hidden gem serves as a small-town base for nature enthusiasts, as its main attractions are its surrounding parks and reservoirs like the Jackson Gulch reservoir, Bauer Lake, and more.
Silverton
Silverton is in a remote part of the western San Juan Mountains, boasting a balance of every charming aspect Colorado is known for. Silverton is one of the best small towns for an inclusive, memorable experience in the Centennial state, from its gold mining history to its eclectic wooden front boutiques and ski resorts. Learn more about the town’s history by exploring the abandoned Mayflower Gold Mill, boarding the 1882 train to Durango, and trying local brews at Golden Block Brewery.
Colorado is the place to be for an adventurous, nature-centric experience to be remembered. The rugged mountainous setting makes the state unique to any other American state and enhances the small-town experience of typical Victorian buildings, small businesses, and history.
